Spiritual Direction Agreement

Faithe Emerich | Spiritual Direction

The Nature of Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is a practice of intentional listening and reflection in which two people come together to attend to the movement of the sacred in one's life.

My approach is contemplative, compassion-based, and grounded in respect for each person's spiritual autonomy. I understand my role as a companion rather than an authority over your spiritual experience. Our conversations will be guided by your own questions, experiences, and emerging awareness.

Spiritual direction does not require adherence to a particular religious tradition or set of beliefs.

Our Relationship

Our time together offers space for reflection, exploration, and compassionate attention to your spiritual life.

As your spiritual director, I commit to offering an attentive, respectful, and nonjudgmental presence. I will honor your spiritual autonomy and refrain from imposing my own beliefs, interpretations, or expectations upon your experience.

You are invited to participate in whatever way feels appropriate to you. You are always free to decline a question, redirect a conversation, or reconsider our work together.

Spiritual direction is distinct from psychotherapy, mental health counseling, and medical treatment. I do not provide diagnosis, clinical treatment, or crisis intervention. When appropriate, I may encourage you to seek additional support from a qualified professional.

Confidentiality

Your privacy is an essential part of our relationship.

I will treat the information you share during spiritual direction as confidential and will not disclose identifying information about you or our conversations without your permission, except when disclosure is required by law or may be necessary to address a serious and immediate threat to someone's safety.

Spiritual directors sometimes participate in professional supervision or consultation to support ethical practice and their own continued formation. When I engage in such consultation, I will protect your identity and share only the information necessary for professional reflection.

Although I take confidentiality seriously, spiritual direction does not necessarily carry the same legal protections as psychotherapy or privileged communications with clergy.

Sessions and Scheduling

Individual spiritual direction sessions are 60 minutes and take place online.

Many people find that meeting approximately once a month provides a helpful rhythm, although the frequency of our sessions can be determined together.

Sessions are scheduled through my online booking calendar.

Fees and Payment

Payment is collected at the time of booking.

I recognize that financial circumstances vary. If the cost of spiritual direction presents a hardship, please feel welcome to contact me about the possibility of a reduced rate.

Any changes to session fees will be communicated in advance of booking.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 24 hours' notice.

Sessions canceled with less than 24 hours' notice are generally nonrefundable, although exceptions may be made for illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances.

If I need to cancel a session, you will be offered the opportunity to reschedule or receive a full refund.

Communication Between Sessions

Communication outside scheduled sessions is generally limited to scheduling and administrative matters.

Spiritual direction is not an emergency or crisis service. If you are experiencing an immediate crisis or are concerned about your safety, please seek appropriate emergency or professional support.

Continuing or Concluding Our Work

Spiritual direction is a voluntary relationship.

Either of us may choose to conclude our work together at any time. Whenever possible, I welcome the opportunity to reflect together on the relationship and bring our work to a thoughtful close.

If I believe that another spiritual director or professional resource may better serve your needs, I will discuss this with you respectfully.

Acknowledgment

By scheduling a spiritual direction session, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the nature of spiritual direction, the expectations of our relationship, and the policies outlined in this agreement.

I look forward to accompanying you in this exploration.

Faithe Emerich
Spiritual Director